Thursday, June 27, 2013

Trail of the Chupacabra: Character Interview/Blog Stop

Avery Bartholomew Pendleton is back, and he’s just as crazy as ever. Avery is a paranoid loner obsessed with global conspiracy theories who spends most of his time crafting absurd and threatening letters to anyone who offends him. That means pretty much everyone.

Still convinced of the existence of the mythical Mexican chupacabra*, Avery enlists the assistance of the Southwest Texas Revolutionary Armed Confederate Border Operations Militia (STRAC-BOM) and their manic leader, General X-Ray, to help him invade Mexico. Accompanied by Ziggy, a burned-out hippy, and an uncommonly large iguana named Nancy, the group follows the advice of a New Orleans voodoo priestess and heads straight into the Mexican desert.

Unfortunately for the motley gang of explorers, Mexico can be a dangerous place if you cross the wrong people -- specifically, the Padre, a vicious drug cartel boss, and El Barquero, a murderous gunrunner who has crossed Avery’s path before.

What unfolds is a laugh-out-loud dark comedy of insane humor, unforgettable characters, and chilling thrills.

*No chupacabras were injured in the writing of this book.AVERY INERVIEWInterviewer: So today, unfortunately, and with great regret on my part…we’re here with Avery Bartholomew Pendleton, the star of both The Chupacabra and the recently released sequel, Trail of the Chupacabra, by Stephen RandelAvery: It’s Sir Pendleton to you, little man.Interviewer: Pardon me?Avery: None taken.Interviewer: What?Avery: Exactly.Interviewer: Okay, I’ve been told it would be like this. Anyway, it’s been said you’re both obnoxious and rude…Avery: It’s a lie.Interviewer: I agree.Avery: You do?Interviewer: Yes, after observing you for the last few seconds, I can say you’re the complete opposite of obnoxious and rude…you’re rude and obnoxious. Moving on, what’s the point of this new story?Avery: It’s about me, obviously. The book is centered on my daring adventures and heroic deeds. Crazy Mexican drug cartels and chupacabras aside…Interviewer: Mr. Pendleton, please. There is no such thing as a chupacabra.Avery: You should be very careful with absolute statements. Global warming is driving them north. It’s a fact...Interviewer: Then why haven’t you found one? It’s been two books?Avery: Bad luck. Poor support. Those militia guys really suck.Interviewer: Militia guys?Avery: Yes, the author refuses to hire ninjas and relies on civilian militia instead. I think he’s just trying to save money. He’s an idiot. It kills the story.Interviewer: What would ninjas do against the Mexican drug cartels?Avery: Sling throwing stars and stuff.Interviewer: Throwing stars? You’re not making any sense.Avery: Look…the book could possibly be about the horrific struggles of the Mexican people with the violence in their country. The unique part is it’s a laugh-out-loud dark comedy full of eccentric characters as well.Interviewer: Why didn’t you say so before? I’ve been told the Trail of the Chupacabra has so much more character development, so much more history about the country, and, of course, more of your insane letters.Avery: Time’s up. I want my money.Interviewer: Money?Avery: Remuneration for this interview. Paid in full, or I’ll kill the iguana.Interviewer: What iguana?Avery: Nancy. Pay me, or I’ll off Nancy!Interviewer: Nancy? I don’t know who Nancy is.Avery: Read the book, jackass. Hell, read the first one, too. Then, if you figure it out, tell me what you think the book means. I like a good laugh…www.stephenrandel.comAuthor BioStephen Randel, CFA, was born in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University. Steve now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife and their two rescue dogs.